The previous section discussed whether or not it is mandatory to follow standards. If it has been agreed and/or indicated that a certain standard (for example IEC 61340-5-1) will be followed, it is important that the requirements in that standard are also met. However, it may happen that certain requirements of a standard cannot be met, for example due to other process requirements. Does this mean that the standard in question cannot be followed?
The answer is NO, provided certain conditions are met.
Adjusting requirements from a standard is called “Tailoring”. In the above-known ESD standard there is even a paragraph devoted to it that describes the conditions for this. By critically examining the applicability of a standard requirement, tailor-made solutions can be made for a specific case. Requirements can be adjusted, deleted or even added. The standard does require that these tailoring decisions be recorded.
This can be done in a “rationale” which contains the motivations and, not unimportantly, the technical justification. This technical justification must clearly show that no additional risk is incurred due to any adjustments or that it is an acceptable risk (calculated risk).
This technical justification may, for example, consist of measurement results and/or data analysis.
For example, if measurements show (at a workplace where work is constantly done standing and sitting) that during seated work the grounding of an operator is always guaranteed by a combination of clothing, chair, floor and shoes, then a rationale can be written on the claim When working while sitting, use of wristband is mandatory. Please note that this must be substantiated with measurement data from tests carried out under all prevailing circumstances.
Last but not least, this rationale must also be regularly tested for reliability.
Questions and/or comments about standards? Let us know.
Bas Grootemaat
Kingsize Consultancy
Nederlands